Chief Development Officer

About us

The Fuller Project is the global newsroom dedicated to groundbreaking reporting that catalyzes positive change for women. Since we launched in 2015, our reporting has helped end life-threatening practices, led to large scale releases of public data and prompted the introduction of new legislation.

We report exclusive stories centered on women that otherwise would not be told. Our long-standing focus on women, especially those facing racial or other forms of bias, leads to journalism that – by challenging conventional thinking – inspires action. Our reporting is relied on by policymakers, corporate leaders, influencers and individuals across the globe, leading to better outcomes for women and their communities. As women’s standing in society improves, so does the potential for stronger democracies and economic and political stability. A single authoritative story about women can create awareness, inspire action and spark change.

Our journalists spotlight critical issues and expose injustice with in-depth reporting published in renowned news outlets such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, TIME and Foreign Policy. Partnering with legacy news outlets ensures our rigorous reporting reaches the broadest global audiences, shining a spotlight on how to solve the critical issues women face around the world. Our reporters work hand-in-hand with journalists inside the largest and most respected newsrooms from Afghanistan to India to Kenya, leading to reporting that is globally relevant and grounded in the realities of local women.

About the role

The Chief Development Officer will oversee The Fuller Project’s expanding fundraising program with a focus on building the individual giving program and growing and diversifying institutional giving. In partnership with the Chief Executive Officer and the Director of Development, the Chief Development Officer will nurture a culture of philanthropy that supports the organizational and newsroom priorities while leveraging the talent of staff and board. The Chief Development Officer will apply a diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging lens to all internal and external activities while expanding the organization’s community of supporters.

The Chief Development Officer’s primary responsibilities will be the following:

Strategy, goal setting, reporting and resource alignment in support of our mission and impact

• Deepen our overall development strategy, with emphasis on our individual giving and major gifts strategies and overall diversification of our portfolio

• Partner with the CEO, Chief of Operations & Strategy (COO&S), Director of Development and Finance and Development Committee chairs to define short-term and long-term fundraising goals, a departmental budget and work plan in support of The Fuller Project’s strategic plan and editorial and organizational priorities, and align resources

• Guide and oversee the Director of Development in developing goals and implementing strategies related to institutional giving

• Develop communications strategies to support fundraising goals and work with our communications teams to develop striking materials focused on impact

• Produce quarterly reports to inform resource projections and board reporting

Raising funds and developing resourced-partnerships

• Lead major fundraising solicitations, working with Director of Development, executive staff and board members

• Prioritize and maximize the CEO’s involvement in all fundraising programs, and involve other staff and board members as appropriate

• Lead board development and oversee development committee staffing with a focus on growing individual giving and board engagement, working closely with the CEO and COO&S and Director of Development; 

Contribute to our culture of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, and build a culture of philanthropy

• Be a proactive partner and ally in building The Fuller Project’s organizational culture, with a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and collaboration inside and outside the organization, and the development of the organization’s team and others in the field;

• Oversee the department, which includes a Development Associate and a Foundations Consultant, to ensure effective resourcing and operations that are aligned to strategy

• Participate in our culture of learning by training others on individual giving, creating growth opportunities for reporting staff, leading reflections and identification of lessons learned, and identifying or providing inputs to efforts to offer insights to the broader field

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The Fuller Project seeks a Chief Development Officer with

• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail, diplomacy, and an ability to integrate data into decision-making. 

• Superior communication skills, both written and oral, and the ability to influence and engage a diverse pool of stakeholders;

• Demonstrated experience in seeking and securing six- and seven-figure gifts, in retaining and growing major gifts, and knowledge of the U.S. donor landscape;

• A demonstrated commitment to being a builder of teams and relationships that value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within the organization and through the collaboration with and promotion of others’ efforts in the field, as well as mentorship of junior staff within the organization;

• Management experience that will inform oversight of a growing development department including individual giving, foundations, medium and small gifts, and other future strategic opportunities such as a launching membership program;

• A creative, innovative, and collaborative approach for an organization that represents a new model of doing business and a keen sense of how to create a connection to the journalism;

• A high level of energy and passion for The Fuller Project’s mission.

A bachelor’s degree is required for this position as is at least twelve years of professional experience in revenue generating roles. Expertise in individual and institutional giving is required, as well as experience managing development staff. 

The Fuller Project executive team is based in our office in the greater Washington D.C. area. We are a flexible hybrid workplace. While we prefer for the CDO to reside in the greater DMV, recognizing that this external-facing role requires fundraising travel, candidates for the CDO position who are in other major metropolitan locations, and are willing to travel to the Washington D.C.-area for team building will be considered. 

This is a full-time staff role with benefits, including:

• Competitive salary 

• Health insurance 

• Paid parental leave

• Retirement plan with retirement match

• Generous vacation policy, plus flexible and inclusive holiday schedule

• Phone and communications stipend

• A commitment to an inclusive and diverse work culture

• Professional learning and development opportunities

How to apply

All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Cover letters should reflect a commitment to groundbreaking journalism to catalyze positive change for women, consistent with the mission of The Fuller Project. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the successful candidate has been selected.

To apply for this position, click here.

To nominate a candidate, please contact Darcy Ahl darcy@ahlberrien.com